CVE-2008-7130 in DB2 Monitoring Console
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in DB2 Monitoring Console 2.2.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary files via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7130 represents a critical security flaw within IBM DB2 Monitoring Console version 2.2.4 and earlier releases. This issue falls under the category of unspecified vulnerability, indicating that the exact technical mechanisms enabling the exploit remain undocumented in the public record. The vulnerability specifically affects the monitoring console component of IBM DB2, which serves as a management interface for database administrators to monitor and manage their database environments. The affected system provides remote attackers with the capability to perform arbitrary file uploads, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive database information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and file handling mechanisms within the monitoring console's upload functionality. When remote attackers exploit this weakness, they can bypass normal security controls to place malicious files onto the target system. This type of vulnerability typically maps to CWE-434, which describes "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type," indicating that the system fails to properly validate file types and contents during upload operations. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, potentially including web interface manipulation, API calls, or direct protocol interactions with the monitoring console service. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system and can leverage network-based attacks to achieve their objectives.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file placement, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to database contents. The monitoring console environment typically contains sensitive administrative credentials and database connection information, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or gain access to underlying database systems. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services to gain initial access to systems. The impact on database security is particularly severe since the monitoring console often serves as a central point for database administration and monitoring activities, making it a high-value target for attackers seeking persistent access to database environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from IBM, which would address the underlying file upload validation issues. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the monitoring console to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter file upload requests, disabling unnecessary file upload capabilities where possible, and conducting regular security assessments of database management interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation controls, as these measures would have prevented the exploitation of the file upload functionality. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual file upload activities and establish incident response procedures to address potential compromise of database management interfaces. Regular security audits of database management tools and interfaces are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.